Will.i.am Sues Pharrell Williams

Published » 2013-09-24 14:00:09

The ongoing legal dispute between will.i.am and Pharrell Williams has escalated with the Black Eyed Peas singer countersuing Pharrell. Pharrell previously sued Will in order to protect his right to use his "i am OTHER" brand.

Will says that Pharrell's brand is too close to his own "i.am+" brand, and that the singer has a history of copycat behavior. He cites the current lawsuit against the Pharrell produced Robin Thicke hit "Blurred Lines" by members of Marvin Gaye's estate.

Will initially denied reports of the suit but then revised the statement to say that, given the similarities of the pair's musical stylings, Pharrell's brand is likely to confuse the public.

Pharrell has asserted that "i am OTHER" does not "infringe, dilute or unfairly compete" with Will's line, but has not commented on the latest developments.